Mama Always Said I Was a Boat-Rocker {Subtitle: Choosing Your Wedding Photographer, part two}
A couple of weeks ago, I shared with brides my opinion on what separates the wheat from the chaff when it comes to
wedding photographers in my market. Boy oh boy was I surprised by what followed! Our blog traffic increased by more than 1,000% (!!!) and I began to receive numberous blog comments, emails and phone calls from readers all over the US and Canada. Most of the feedback came from photographers, and ranged from:
" Bless you! We've been doing things this way for years and our competitors hate us for it"
to
" Some good points, though I don't agree with everything. Things to think about - thanks for your candid opinion"
to
" Great... another know-it-all wedding coordinator that shows up in a tacky barn dress, holding a clipboard in the background of all of our shots, trying to tell us how to do our jobs."
While my intention was to help brides know what to look for, I welcome the feedback (positive and negative) I've received from photographers. At the risk of further beating the poor horse, I'd like to address some of those comments.
What do you know about photography?
Nothing. I can't figure out the difference between f-stop and aperture.
But I do know what brides want (and deserve) in a wedding photographer. I am privy to brides' candid responses regarding photographers we interview and hire. I would be doing a disservice to my clients if I didn't insist on the best in all of their vendors.
You should tell brides about prices, insurance, taxes, etc.
Brides know to look at price, and to value reputable, law-abiding businesses. But of course when I'm working with a bride, we discuss her wedding budget and priorities/style. Based on their individual needs, I'm able to help my brides set clear expectations with regards to what they'll likely spend on their photographer.
Requiring photographers to (have an office) (hand-edit all images) (keep archives) is a bit much.
Agreed. I'm not sure how, but it seems my "I love photographers who..." was misread as "I will only recommend photographers who..." None of these things are requirements in my book... just nice little "extras" that many photographers are able to provide. If a photographer suggests we meet at Starbucks, I'll offer my office instead.
Hand-editing every image would be impossible.
Not sure what to tell you on this one. I know several awesome photographers in my market who can and do provide this service, so it's definitely not impossible. But if you don't want to do it and it's not expected in your market, more power to you. :)
Your post is condescending to photographers.
I genuinely apologize if any of my post came across as condescending towards anyone, including photographers. My post was addressed to brides and grooms, and I really did not expect photographers to read it (other than the few local photographers who are loyal readers - love you!). I've read and reread the post to try to figure out what could be interpreted as condescending, but am at a loss. I am the first to go to bat for wedding photographers because it is an extremely difficult job. My parents have a videography business with roots in the wedding industry, so I appreciate the demands of capturing the unexpected and the countless hours in post-production. I am honored to advocate for excellent wedding photographers.
We all have different opinions, which is fantastic. And my clients have their own opinions, as well. I love learning about what a client is looking for and being able to recommend a handful of excellent vendors who would be a perfect fit. I appreciate being able to "talk shop" with other wedding vendors from all over the continent and am grateful for those who are able to discuss differing opinions respectfully. We're all in this together. Go Team!
xoxo
jessica
" Bless you! We've been doing things this way for years and our competitors hate us for it"
to
" Some good points, though I don't agree with everything. Things to think about - thanks for your candid opinion"
to
" Great... another know-it-all wedding coordinator that shows up in a tacky barn dress, holding a clipboard in the background of all of our shots, trying to tell us how to do our jobs."
While my intention was to help brides know what to look for, I welcome the feedback (positive and negative) I've received from photographers. At the risk of further beating the poor horse, I'd like to address some of those comments.
What do you know about photography?
Nothing. I can't figure out the difference between f-stop and aperture.
But I do know what brides want (and deserve) in a wedding photographer. I am privy to brides' candid responses regarding photographers we interview and hire. I would be doing a disservice to my clients if I didn't insist on the best in all of their vendors.
You should tell brides about prices, insurance, taxes, etc.
Brides know to look at price, and to value reputable, law-abiding businesses. But of course when I'm working with a bride, we discuss her wedding budget and priorities/style. Based on their individual needs, I'm able to help my brides set clear expectations with regards to what they'll likely spend on their photographer.
Requiring photographers to (have an office) (hand-edit all images) (keep archives) is a bit much.
Agreed. I'm not sure how, but it seems my "I love photographers who..." was misread as "I will only recommend photographers who..." None of these things are requirements in my book... just nice little "extras" that many photographers are able to provide. If a photographer suggests we meet at Starbucks, I'll offer my office instead.
Hand-editing every image would be impossible.
Not sure what to tell you on this one. I know several awesome photographers in my market who can and do provide this service, so it's definitely not impossible. But if you don't want to do it and it's not expected in your market, more power to you. :)
Your post is condescending to photographers.
I genuinely apologize if any of my post came across as condescending towards anyone, including photographers. My post was addressed to brides and grooms, and I really did not expect photographers to read it (other than the few local photographers who are loyal readers - love you!). I've read and reread the post to try to figure out what could be interpreted as condescending, but am at a loss. I am the first to go to bat for wedding photographers because it is an extremely difficult job. My parents have a videography business with roots in the wedding industry, so I appreciate the demands of capturing the unexpected and the countless hours in post-production. I am honored to advocate for excellent wedding photographers.
We all have different opinions, which is fantastic. And my clients have their own opinions, as well. I love learning about what a client is looking for and being able to recommend a handful of excellent vendors who would be a perfect fit. I appreciate being able to "talk shop" with other wedding vendors from all over the continent and am grateful for those who are able to discuss differing opinions respectfully. We're all in this together. Go Team!
xoxo
jessica